Daijiworld Media Network - Beijing

Beijing, Jul 14: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Monday that India-China relations have shown a steady improvement since the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October 2024. His remarks came during bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, ahead of the SCO Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Tianjin.

Jaishankar emphasised that both sides must take a long-term, strategic view of the relationship. “Since our leaders' meeting in Kazan, the India-China relationship has been gradually moving in a positive direction. Our responsibility is to maintain that momentum,” he said.

The EAM noted that progress in resolving border tensions and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) over the past nine months has helped restore mutual trust, which is crucial for improving broader bilateral ties. However, he pointed out that more work is needed, particularly around de-escalation and other unresolved issues related to the border.

This marks Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020, and he used the occasion to congratulate China on its successful Presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Highlighting increased high-level communication between the two nations at international events, Jaishankar said, “India is committed to ensuring good outcomes and decisions. I look forward to more regular bilateral meetings in each other’s countries.”

He also thanked China for its support in resuming the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, which has restarted after a five-year pause, calling it a significant step for people-to-people exchanges.

While welcoming recent developments, Jaishankar cautioned against restrictive trade practices and underlined the need to avoid roadblocks in economic engagement. “As neighbours and major global economies, it’s essential that we remove unnecessary trade restrictions to deepen our cooperation,” he added.

Both India and China are currently observing the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and Jaishankar stressed that constructive engagement based on mutual respect, interest, and sensitivity would benefit not just the two countries but the entire region.

“Differences should not become disputes, and competition must not turn into conflict. With this approach, we can continue to grow our relationship positively,” he said.

The ministers are also expected to exchange views on global and regional issues, and Jaishankar reiterated India’s strong position on counter-terrorism, calling for the SCO to uphold zero tolerance for terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

The two-day engagement is expected to set the tone for future India-China diplomatic engagement as both nations navigate a complex but slowly stabilising relationship.